Sport & Results

The "HOYS Fairy" Sends Good Luck Charms to Nearly 200 Competitors

For ten years, Morean Hamilton from Ayrshire has been sending small browbands and cards to riders who have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show.

Equidara editorial team · 6 October 2026 · 2 min read

The "HOYS Fairy" Sends Good Luck Charms to Nearly 200 Competitors — AI-generated image

Morean Hamilton from Ayrshire has been sending good luck packages to riders who have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for ten years now. According to Horse & Hound, nearly 200 competitors have received one so far. The packages are sent out every September.

How it all started

Hamilton's idea sparked when she ordered a horsebox. A friend from northern Scotland, who crafted browbands, made her a blue and white one for the lorry. This led to the question of whether she could also make small browbands for HOYS competitors. In the first year, Hamilton sent out eight, complete with a card.

After a few years, her friend stopped. Hamilton then turned to Valerie Lafond of Lafond browbands, who has taken over the work ever since. Hamilton orders 20 pieces every June. Lafond slightly alters the design each year, making every browband unique.

What's in the package

Besides the browband, a credit card-sized note, golden glitter, and purple ribbon are included in a box featuring the HOYS logo. She states she is allowed to use the logo with permission from Sandy Anderson.

Who receives a package

Hamilton says the season dictates who receives one. There has to be something special about it, such as a first HOYS qualification or a remarkable story. This year, the list included, among others, a pony that was mistakenly called champion at the Royal Highland and then sent back, as well as two qualifiers from acquaintances. She often has to track down addresses through mothers or friends. “It often feels a bit like Miss Marple,” she says.

For Team Harvey, with eight pairs, there was a card for each and a shared browband.

Hamilton herself at HOYS

This year, Hamilton is involved as a sponsor: Hamilton Tarmac supports the Small Hunter division. Additionally, she owns five horses that Kirstine Douglas has qualified for six classes. For her own horses, she sews special ear bonnets, this time in navy blue.

Sources

‘There’s a degree of Miss Marple about it’: meet the lady who has sent almost 200 good luck packages ahead of HOYS (Horse & Hound) (1.10.2026)

Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 6 October 2026.